The body becomes more of a fat-burner than a carbohydrate-dependent machine. Research shows that a diet high in carbohydrates is linked to the development of several disorders such as insulin resistance and diabetes.
Carbohydrate are easily absorbed and stored. Digestion starts in the mouth. As soon as the food is chewed, amylase (enzymes that digest carbohydrates) in the saliva are already acting on the carbohydrates. In the stomach, carbohydrates are further broken down and are immediately absorbed once it enters the small intestines. In the blood, carbohydrates immediately increase the blood sugar levels. This stimulates the immediate release of insulin. High blood sugar levels triggers release of high levels of insulin. This hormone causes the sugars to be stored immediately in the body tissues to lower the blood levels. The tissues can develop resistance to insulin when it is constantly exposed to it in high levels. Obesity occurs, as the body tends to rapidly store the carbohydrates. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease can result from this cycle.
A ketogenic diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates has been found to play a role in reducing and improving certain medical conditions. It is indicated as part of the treatment plan.
Epilepsy
For some reason, epileptic seizures are reduced when in a ketogenic diet. This is actually the main reason why the ketogenic diet has been formulated. Pediatric epileptic cases are the most responsive to this type of diet. Some children even have seizure elimination after a few years of adhering to the ketogenic diet. Adult epilepsy has limited response.
Children may be required to fast for a few days before the initiation of the ketogenic diet plan as treatment for epilepsy.
Cancer
Ongoing research shows promise that a ketogenic diet drives the cancer into remission. It literally “starves cancer” to reduce the symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease
Research shows that memory function improves when a patient with Alzheimer’s disease follows a ketogenic diet. They regain a few of their thought and memory functions.
Neurological disorders
Parkinson’s disease and ALS (amyotropic lateral sclerosis) are some of the neurological disorders that benefits from ketogenic diet. The diet provides mitochondrial support in affected nerves. As such, the symptoms improve.
Diabetes
Carbohydrates are the main culprit in diabetes. By cutting back on the consumption in ketogenic diet, there is better blood sugar control. Other diabetes treatment plans work better in conjunction with this diet.
Gluten allergy
A lot of people are undiagnosed with gluten allergy. Following a ketogenic diet showed improvement in related symptoms like bloating and digestive discomforts. Gluten is high in most carbohydrate-rich foods. By eliminating a large variety of carbohydrates foods in the diet, gluten intake is also kept at a very minimum. Hence, gluten symptoms are also eliminated.
Weight loss
Ketogenic diet has found a niche in mainstream dieting trend. It is now part of many dieting regimen, due to its observed side effect of promoting weight loss. At first, the idea of losing weight with a high fat diet raised many eyebrows. Over time and as more favorable results emerged, ketogenic diet is now slowly being embraced as part of weight loss programs.
Carbohydrates leads to weight gain more than fats do. Remember that the hormone insulin promotes storage of carbohydrates, hence, weight gain. Eliminating or keeping the carbohydrate intake to minimum can result in substantial weight loss over time.